Dry powder dispersing apparatus and methods for their use

Abstract

The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position. The second interlock remains engaged if the receptacle is only partially inserted into the carriage assembly.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A system for aerosolizing a powdered medicament, the system comprising:
 a receptacle having a front end, a back end, and a cavity adapted to hold a powdered medicament, wherein the front end of the receptacle comprises a geometric configuration; and 
 an aerosolization apparatus having an opening into which the receptacle may be inserted, the aerosolization apparatus comprising a receptacle piercing member, 
 wherein the aerosolization apparatus is in a locked condition which prevents the piercing member from piercing the receptacle when the receptacle is first inserted in the opening and wherein the aerosolization apparatus is in an unlocked condition which allows the piercing member to pierce the receptacle when the receptacle is fully inserted into the aerosolization apparatus and the geometric configuration mates with a corresponding portion in the aerosolization apparatus. 
 
     
     
       2. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the geometric configuration comprises at least one notch, and wherein the corresponding portion in the aerosolization apparatus comprises a key such that the receptacle is fully inserted into the aerosolization apparatus only if the notch is aligned with the key. 
     
     
       3. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the geometric configuration comprises two notches, and wherein the corresponding portion in the aerosolization apparatus comprises a key such that the receptacle is fully inserted into the aerosolization apparatus only if the notches are aligned with the key. 
     
     
       4. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein the aerosolization apparatus is in an unlocked condition prior to the receptacle being inserted into the opening. 
     
     
       5. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein when the aerosolization apparatus is in the locked condition, the piecing member is prevented from moving toward the receptacle. 
     
     
       6. A system as in  claim 1 , wherein when the aerosolization apparatus is in the locked condition, a fire button may not be activated. 
     
     
       7. A method of aerosolizing a powdered medicament, the method comprising:
 inserting a receptacle having a front end, a back end, and a cavity holding a powdered medicament into an aerosolization apparatus, wherein the aerosolization apparatus is locked as the receptacle is first being inserted; 
 unlocking the aerosolization apparatus when the receptacle is fully inserted and when a geometric configuration on the receptacle mates with a corresponding portion in the aerosolization apparatus, thereby allowing a piercing member in the aerosolization apparatus to pierce the receptacle; 
 piercing the receptacle to expose the powdered medicament; and 
 aerosolizing the powdered medicament for delivery to a user. 
 
     
     
       8. A method as in  claim 7 , wherein the aerosolized powder medicament is delivered to the user during the user's inhalation. 
     
     
       9. A method as in  claim 8 , wherein the powder medicament is aerosolized prior to the user's inhalation. 
     
     
       10. A method as in  claim 7 , wherein the geometric configuration is on the front end of the receptacle and wherein the front end geometric configuration mates with a key in the aerosolization apparatus.